towing MINI Countryman 2012 Owner's Manual (Mini Connected)

Opening and closingCONTROLS
31
Press the top side of the MINI emblem, arrow, or
Press the button on the remote control
for approx. 1 second and then release it. The
tailgate is unlocked.
Closing
Make sure that the closing path of the tail-
gate is clear; otherwise, injuries may
occur. <
Take the remote control with you and do
not put it into the luggage compartment:
otherwise, the remote co ntrol can be locked in
the vehicle when the tailgate is closed. <
The handle recesses on the interior trim panel of
the tailgate make it easier to pull it down.
Alarm system
The concept
The alarm system, when activated, reacts if:
> A door, the engine compartment lid or the
tailgate is opened
> There is movement inside the car >
The car's inclination changes, for instance if
an attempt is made to jack it up and steal the
wheels or to raise it prior to towing it away
> There is an interruption in the power supply
from the battery
The alarm system briefly indicates unauthorized
entry or tampering by means of:
> An acoustic alarm
> Switching on the hazard warning flashers
Arming and disarming
General information
Whenever the car is locked or unlocked, the
alarm system is armed or disarmed.
Door lock with armed alarm system
Because of the design, unlocking the door lock
may trigger the alarm in some countries.
To turn off the alarm, unlock the vehicle using
the remote control or switch on the ignition.
Tailgate with armed alarm system
Even when the alarm syst em is armed, you can
open the tailgate by means of the button
on the remote control.
When you subsequently close the tailgate it is
again locked and monitored.
Panic mode
You can activate the alarm system if you find
yourself in a dangerous situation.
Press the button for at least two seconds.
Switching off the alarm:
Press any button.
Switching off an alarm
>Unlock the car with the remote control.
> Insert the key fully into the ignition lock.
> In cars with Comfort Access, press the button
on the door lock.
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Things to remember when drivingDRIVING TIPS
107
Installing behind the front seats
1.If necessary, remove the cargo area cover.
2. Fold down the rear seat backrests, refer to
Expanding cargo area.
3. Insert each cargo net mounting pin all the
way into its respective front mount in the
headliner, arrow 1, and push it forward.
4. Attach the hook, arrow 2, at the bottom of
each retaining strap to the respective eye on
the vehicle floor.
5. Lash the cargo net se curely. To do so,
tighten the retaining straps at the tensioning
buckles.
Removing
When removing and stowing the cargo net, pro-
ceed in the reverse sequence.
To fold closed, press the release button, arrow.
Bag holders
Holders on the left and right side of the support
for the cargo area cover, arrow, e.g. for hanging
shopping bags or storage bags.
Only hang light shopping bags or suitable
items on the holders. Otherwise, this may
create a hazard due to flying objects, for exam-
ple in the event of braking and evasive maneu-
vers.
Transport heavy luggage only if it is appro-
priately secured in the cargo area. <
Determining cargo limit
1.Locate the following statement on your
vehicle's placard:
The combined weight of occupants
and cargo should never exceed
XXX kg or YYY lbs. Otherwise, this could
damage the vehicle and produce unstable
vehicle operating conditions. <
2. Determine the combined weight of the
driver and passengers that will be riding in
your vehicle.
3. Subtract the combined weight of the driver
and passengers from XXX pounds or YYY
kilograms.
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DRIVING TIPSThings to remember when driving
108
4.The resulting figure equals the available
amount of cargo and luggage load capacity.
For example, if the XXX amount equals
1,400 lbs and there will be four 150 lbs
passengers in your vehicle, the amount of
available cargo and luggage load capacity is
650 lbs:
1,400 lbs minus 750 lbs = 650 lbs.
5. Determine the combined weight of luggage
and cargo being loaded on the vehicle. That
weight may not safely exceed the available
cargo and luggage load capacity calculated
in step 4.
6. If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, part of
the load from your trailer will be transferred
to your vehicle. Consult the manual for
transporting a trailer to determine how this
may reduce the available cargo and luggage
load capacity of your vehicle.
Load
4-seater:
5-seater:
The permissible load is the sum of the occu-
pants' weights and the we ight of the cargo. The greater the weight of the occupants, the less
cargo/luggage can be transported.
Stowing cargo
>
Position heavy objects as low and as far
forward as possible, ideally directly behind
the rear seat backrests.
> Cover sharp edges and corners.
> For very heavy cargo wh en the rear seat is
not occupied, secure each safety belt in the
respective opposite buckle.
> Do not stack higher than the top edge of the
backrests.
> Use the cargo net, refer to page 106. Ensure
that no objects can penetrate through the
net.
Securing cargo
> Secure smaller and lighter items using
retaining or draw straps.
> Heavy-duty cargo straps for securing larger
and heavier objects are available at your
MINI dealer.
> These cargo straps are fastened using eight
securing eyes.
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Replacing componentsMOBILITY
221
4.Unscrew the dust cap from the valve of the
defective wheel and screw the filling hose 2
of the sealant bottle onto the valve.
5. Ensure that the compre ssor is switched off.
6. Insert the plug 5 into the lighter socket/
power socket in the vehicle interior,
page 98.
7. With the engine running:
Switch on the compre ssor and let run for
about 3 to 8 minutes in order to add the
sealant and to achieve an inflation pressure
of about 1.8 bar/26 psi.
When adding sealant, the filling
pressure can temporarily increase up
to about 5 bar/73 psi. Do not switch off the
compressor during this phase. <
Do not run the compressor for longer
than 10 minutes; otherwise, the
device will overheat and possibly be
damaged. <
8. Switch off the compressor.
If an inflation pressure of 1.8 bar/26 psi is not
reached:
1. Unscrew the filling hose 2 from the wheel
and drive the vehicle forward and backward
approx. 33 ft/10 m to distribute the liquid
sealant in the tire evenly.
2. Inflate the tire again with the compressor.
If an inflation pressure of 1.8 bar/26 psi
still cannot be reached, then the tire is too
heavily damaged. Please contact the nearest
MINI dealer. <
Stowing Mobility Kit
1.Unscrew filler hose 2 of the sealant bottle
from the wheel.
2. Unscrew connecting hose of the
compressor 6 from the sealant bottle.
3. Connect the filler hose 2 of the sealant bot-
tle to the unoccupied connection on the
sealant bottle.
This prevents the rest of the sealant from
escaping from the bottle.
4. Wrap the empty sealant bottle in suitable
material to avoid dirtying the cargo area.
5. Stow Mobility Kit back in the vehicle.
Distributing the sealant.
Immediately drive approx. 3.1 miles/5 km so
that the sealant evenly distributes itself.
Do not exceed speeds of 50 mph/
80 km/h.
If possible, do not drop below 10 mph/
20 km/h.<
Correct the tire inflation pressure.
1. After driving approx. 3.1 miles/5 km or
ten minutes, stop at a suitable location.
2. Screw the connection hose 6 of the
compressor directly onto the tire valve.
3. Insert the plug 5 into the power socket in
the vehicle interior.
4. Adjust tire pressure to 1.8 bar/26 psi. With
the engine running:
> To increase the inflatio n pressure: switch on
the compressor. To check the current infla-
tion pressure, switch off the compressor.
Do not run the compressor for longer
than 10 minutes; otherwise, the
device will overheat and possibly be
damaged. <
> To decrease the inflat ion pressure: press the
release button 9.
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MOBILITYGiving and receiving assistance
226
Connecting jumper cables
Connect the jumper cables in the correct
order, so that no sparks which could cause
injury occur.<
1. Open the battery cover in the engine com-
partment to access the positive terminal of
your MINI.
2. Release the tabs on the left and right sides of
the positive terminal cover, arrows 1, and lift
the cover to open, arrow 2.
3. Attach one terminal clamp of the plus/+
jumper cable to the positive terminal of the
battery or to a starting-aid terminal of the
vehicle providing assistance.
4. Attach the second terminal clamp of the
plus/+ jumper cable to the positive terminal
of the battery or a starting-aid terminal of
the vehicle to be started.
5. Attach one terminal clamp of the minus/–
jumper cable to the negative terminal of the
battery or to an engine or body ground of
the assisting vehicle. Body ground in MINI:
6.
Attach the second te rminal clamp of the
minus/– jumper cable to the negative termi-
nal of the battery or to the engine or body
ground of the vehicle to be started.
Starting the engine
1. Start the engine of the donor vehicle and
allow it to run for a few minutes at slightly
increased idle speed.
2. Start the engine of the vehicle to be started
in the usual manner.
If the first start attempt is not successful,
wait a few minutes before another attempt
in order to allow the discharged battery to
recharge.
3. Let the engines run for a few minutes.
4. Disconnect the jumper cables by reversing
the above connecting sequence.
If necessary, have the battery checked and
recharged. Never use spray fluids to start the
engine. <
Tow-starting, towing
away
Observe applicable laws and regulations
for tow-starting and towing. <
Do not transport any passengers other
than the driver in a vehicle that is being
towed. <
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Giving and receiving assistanceMOBILITY
227
Using a tow fitting
The screw-in tow fitting must always be carried
in the car. It can be screwed in at the front or at
the right rear.
Depending upon the vehicle features, the tow
fitting is located
>under the right or left front seat.
> in the pouch for the tire-changing set in the
luggage compartment.
Use only the tow fitting provided with the
vehicle and screw it all the way in. Use the
tow fitting for towing on paved roads only. Avoid
lateral loading of the tow fitting, e.g. do not lift
the vehicle by the tow fitting. Otherwise, the tow
fitting and the vehicle could be damaged. <
Access to screw thread
Press sideways on the cover, vehicle outer side.
This will push out the oppo site side of the cover,
which can then be removed.
Front Rear
Being towed
Make sure that the ignition is switched on,
refer to page
48; otherwise, the low
beams, tail lamps, turn signals, and windshield
wipers may be unavailable. Do not tow the
vehicle with just the rear axle raised, as this
would allow the steering to turn. <
There is no power assist while the engine is off.
Thus, braking and steering will require increased
effort.
Switch on the hazard warning flashers,
depending on local regulations.
Manual transmission
Gearshift lever in neutral position.
Automatic transmission
Tow vehicles with automatic transmission
only with a tow truck or with the front
wheels lifted; otherwise, the transmission can be
damaged. <
Towing methods
Do not lift vehicle by tow fitting or body
and chassis parts, otherwise damage may
result. <
With towbar
The towing vehicle must not be lighter
than the towed vehicle; otherwise, it may
be impossible to maintain control. <
The tow fittings used should be on the same side
on both vehicles. Should it prove impossible to
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MOBILITYGiving and receiving assistance
228
avoid mounting the tow bar at an angle, please
observe the following:
>Clearance and maneuver ing capability will
be sharply limited during cornering.
> The tow bar will generate lateral forces if it is
attached offset.
Only attach the tow bar to the tow fittings,
as attachment to other vehicle parts can
lead to damage. <
With tow rope
When starting off in the towing vehicle, make
sure that the tow rope is taut.
To avoid jerking and the associated
stresses on vehicle components when
towing, always use nylon ropes or nylon straps.
Attach the tow rope to the tow fittings only, as
attaching it to other pa rts of the vehicle could
result in damage. <
With tow truck: vehicles without ALL4
all-wheel drive
Have the MINI Countryman transported by a tow
truck with a so-called lift bar or on a flat bed.
With tow truck: vehicles with ALL4 all-
wheel drive
Do not have your vehicle with ALL4 all-
wheel drive towed with the front or rear
axle raised individually; otherwise, the wheels
may lock and the transfer case may be
damaged. < Only have your MINI Countryman transported
on a flat bed.
Tow-starting
Avoid tow-starting the vehicle whenever
possible; instead, jump-start the engine,
page
225. Vehicles with a catalytic converter
should only be tow-started when the engine is
cold, vehicles with an automatic transmission
cannot be tow-started at all.
1. Switch on hazard warning flashers, comply
with local regulations.
2. Switch on the ignition, page 48.
3. Shift into 3rd gear.
4. Have the vehicle tow-started with the clutch
completely depressed and then slowly
release the clutch. After the engine starts,
immediately depress the clutch completely
again.
5. Stop at a suitable lo cation, remove the tow
bar or rope and switch off the hazard
warning flashers.
6. Have the vehicle checked.
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Everything from A to ZREFERENCE
245
B
Background lighting, refer to
Ambient lighting 84
Backrests, refer to Seats 38
Backup lamps
– replacing bulb 218,219
Band-aids, refer to First aid pouch 225
Bar, refer to Tow-starting,
towing away 227
Base plate for telephone or mobile phone
– refer to Snap-in adapter 180
Bass sounds, refer to Tone control 137
Battery 223
– disposal 34,223
– jump-starting 225
– temporary power failure 224
Battery renewal
– remote control 34
Being towed 227
Belts, refer to Safety belts 40
Belt tensioner, refer to Safety
belts 40
Beverage holders, refer to Cupholders 97
Black ice, refer to External temperature warning 59
Blower, refer to Air flow rate 86,88
Bluetooth, activating/
deactivating 161,170
Bluetooth audio 153
– device pairing 153
– disconnecting an audio connection 155
– playback 154
– unpairing device 155
– What to do if... 155
Bottle holders, refer to
Cupholders 97
Brake Assist 70
Brake fluid, refer to Service
requirements 62 Brake lamps
– replacing bulbs
219
Brake pads, breaking in 102
Brake rotors 104
– brakes 102
– breaking in 102
Brakes
– ABS 70
– breaking in 102
– MINI Maintenance
System 209
– parking brake 50
– service requirements 62
Br akes,

refer to Braking
safely 103
Brake system 102
– breaking in 102
– disc brakes 104
– MINI Maintenance
System 209
Breakdown service, refer to Roadside Assistance 225
Breaking in the clutch 102
Break-in period 102
Brightness of Control
Display 68
Bulb changing, refer to Lamps and bulbs 215
Button for starting the engine 48
Buttons on the steering wheel 11
C
Calendar 186
– displaying appointment 186
– selecting calendar day 186
California Proposition 65
warning 5
Call
– muting the microphone 176
Call ending 163,175
Calling, refer to Phone numbers, dialing 164,175
Can holders, refer to Cupholders 97 Capacities
235
Car battery, refer to Vehicle battery 223
Car care 211
Care 211
– car-care products 211
– car washes 211
– CD/DVD drives 214
– high-pressure washers 212
– leather 213
– manual washing 212
– upholstery and fabrics 213
– windows 212
– wiper blades 212
Cargo, securing 108
Cargo area 104
– capacity 234
– Comfort Access 33
– expanding 104
– lamp 83
– opening from outside 30
– trunk lid, refer to Tailgate 30
Cargo area lid, refer to Tailgate 30
Cargo area partition net, refer
to Cargo net 106
Cargo loading 107
– securing cargo 108
– stowing cargo 108
– vehicle 104
Cargo net 106
Car key, refer to Keys/remote controls 26
Carpets, care 213
Car phone
– installation location, refer to
Center armrest 94
– refer to Telephone 160,169
Car radio, refer to Radio 139
Car wash
– before driving in 50
– care 211
Car washes 211
Cataly tic convert

er, refer to
Hot exhaust system 103
CD, audio playback 147
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REFERENCEEverything from A to Z
248
Engine malfunction
– indicator lamp13
Engine oil
– additives, refer to Approved
engine oils 207
– alternative oil types 207
– approved engine oils 207
– capacity 207
– checking level 206
– dipstick 206
– intervals between changes, refer to Service
requirements 62
– MINI Maintenance System 209
Engine oil level, checking 206
Engine output, refer to Engine data 232
Engine starti ng, refer to
Starting the engine 49
Entering destination 116
Entering intersection 117
Entertainment sound output on/off 136
Entry map for destination 121
ESP Electronic Stability Program, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control DSC 70
Exhaust system, refer to Hot exhaust system 103
Exterior mirrors 42
– adjusting 42
– automatic dimming
feature 43
– automatic heating 43
– folding in and out 42
External audio device 94
External audio device, refer to AUX-In connection 149
External care 211
External devices
– random play sequence 152
– Software update 156
External temperature display
– change units of measure 61
– in the onboard computer 61External temperature
warning 59
Eyes
– for tow-starting and towing
away 227
– for tying down loads 108
F
Failure messages, refer to
Check Control 65
Failure of an electrical consumer 224
Fastening safety belts, refer to Safety belts 40
Fastest route for
navigation 125
Fast forward
– CD player 148
Fault messages, refer to Check Control 65
Faulty
– tire 74
Filter
– microfilter/activated-
charcoal filter for automatic
climate control 89
– microfilter for air
conditioner 87
Fine wood, care 214
First aid pouch 225
Fixture for remote control, refer to Ignition lock 48
Flash when locking/ unlocking 28
Flat load floor 106
Flat tire
– run-flat tires 203
– Tire Pressure Monitor TPM 75
Flat Tire Monitor FTM 73
– indicating a flat tire 74
– initializing the system 73
– snow chains 73
– system limits 73
Flat tires, refer to Tire
condition 202
Floor mats, care 213 Floor plate, refer to Flat load
floor 106
FM, waveband 139
Fog lamps
– replacing bulb 217
Folding rear seat backrest 104
Footbrake, refer to Braking
safely 103
Footwell lamps 83
For your own safety 4
Four-wheel drive, refer to ALL4 72
Front airbags 78
Front fog lamps 83
– replacing bulb 217
Front seat adjustment 38
Frost on windows, refer to Defrosting windows 87,89
FTM, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor 73
Fuel 195
– fuel tank volume 235
– gauge 58
– high-quality brands 195
– quality
195
– specif

ications 195
Fuel clock, refer to Fuel gauge 58
Fuel consumption display
– average fuel consumption 59
Fuel display, refer to Fuel gauge 58
Fuel filler flap 194
– releasing in the event of electrical malfunction 194
Fuses 224
G
Garage door opener, refer to
Integrated universal remote
control 90
Gasoline
– refer to Average fuel consumption 59
Gasoline, refer to Required fuel 195
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Everything from A to ZREFERENCE
249
Gasoline display, refer to Fuel gauge 58
Gear indicator
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic 51
Gear shifting
– automatic transmission 51
– manual transmission 50
Gearshift lever
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic 51
– manual transmission 50
General driving notes 102
Glass roof, electric 34
– convenience operation 28
– opening, closing 35
– remote control 28
– tilting 34
Glove compartment 94
GPS navigation, refer to Navigation system 114
Grills, refer to Air vents 85
Gross vehicle weight, refer to Weights 234
H
Halogen lamps
– replacing bulb 216
Handbrake, refer to Parking
brake 50
Hands-free device Bluetooth 160
Hands-free system 14,166 ,178
Hazard warning flashers 14
HD Radio 140
Head airbags 78
Headlamp control,
automatic 81
Headlamp flasher 53
– indicator lamp 11,13,86,89
Headlamp glass lens 216
Headlamps
– replacing bulb 216
Headlamps, care 212Head Light, refer to Adaptive
Light Control 82
Head restraints 39
– sitting safely 37
Heated
– mirrors 43
– rear window 86,88
– seats 40
Heating 85
– mirrors 43
– rear window 86,88
– seats 40
Heavy loads, refer to Stowing
cargo 108
Height, refer to Dimensions 233
Height adjustment
– seats 38
– steering wheel 43
High beams 83
– headlamp flasher 83
– indicator lamp 13,86,89
– replacing bulb 216
High water, refer to Driving through water 103
Highway, refer to Route criteria 125
Hill Assist 72
Hills 103
Holders for cups 97
Hom e
pag

e 4
Hood 206
Horn 10
Hot exhaust system 103
Hydroplaning 103
I
IBOC, refer to HD Radio 140
Ice warning, refer to External temperature warning 59
Ignition 48
– switched off 49
– switched on 48
Ignition key, refer to
Integrated key/remote
control 26 Ignition key position 1, refer to
Radio readiness 48
Ignition key position 2, refer to Ignition on 48
Ignition lock 48
Imprint 2
Incoming call 163,174
Indicator and warning lamps 13
– Tire Pressure Monitor TPM 76
Indicator lighting, refer to Instrument lighting 83
Individual air distribution 87
Individual settings, refer to Personal Profile 26
Inflation pressure monitoring,
refer to Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM 75
Information
– on another location 120
– on current position 120
– on destination location 120
Initializing
– Flat Tire Monitor FTM 73
– glass roof, electric 35
– radio, refer to Station, storing 140
Initializing the
– compass, see Calibration 93
Instructions for navigation
system, refer to Voice
instructions 129
Instrument lighting 83
Instrument pane l, refer to
Cockpit 10
Instrument pane l, refer to
Displays 12
Integrated key 26
Integrated universal remote
control 90
Interactive map 121
Interesting destination for
navigation 120
Interior lamps 83
– remote control 28
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